There was a row this week when politicians and campaign groups claimed that Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay celebrations will be built on the exploitation of volunteers.
Event organisers Underbelly advertised for 300 unpaid positions at the world famous end of year bash. It wants people to work for free as “ambassadors” and dancers.
However, anti-exploitation and low pay group Better Than Zero said a private company asking people to put in a shift for nothing is "morally unacceptable”.
This was backed by Labour and Green MSPs.
However, Underbelly defended its use of volunteers, and said they will not be used to replace paid staff.
The row underlines a tension in volunteering, which is essential to the work of the third sector, but where working for free can potentially tip over into exploitation. Is there a difference when charities use volunteers, as opposed to private companies?
That’s why we are asking: is volunteering exploitation?
Vote now and get the discussion going by leaving a comment below.
Is volunteering exploitation?
- Yes
- 78
- No
- 66
